J.B. Bickerstaff thinks the relationship between sports betting and the NBA is getting to be too close for comfort.
The Cleveland Cavaliers coach expressed that concern Wednesday during his pregame press conference, telling stories of his run-ins with gamblers to demonstrate how far off the deep end things have gone. One harrowing account in particular makes it easy to understand why Bickerstaff believes sports betting has “crossed the line.” He said bettors got a hold of his phone number and sent him messages about his kids and where he lives.
#Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff makes a startling revelation in explaining why he feels sports gambling has already gone too far even though he understands the business reasons behind it now being embraced by professional leagues. pic.twitter.com/O5QX6snjuE
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) March 20, 2024
That story was in addition to the more typical experience Bickerstaff explained of fans in the arena yelling at him to cover a spread late in a game.
“So it is a dangerous game and a fine line that we’re walking, for sure. It brings added pressure. It brings a distraction to the game that can be difficult for players, coaches, referees. Everybody that’s involved in it. And I think that we really have to be careful with how close we let it get to the game, and the security of the people who are involved in it. Because, again, it does carry a weight.
A lot of times, the people who are gambling, this money pays their light bill or pays their rent. And then the emotions that come from that. So, I do think we’re walking a very fine line. And we have to be extremely careful in protecting everybody who’s involved.”
Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff on sports betting
Bickerstaff is right. It’s one thing when people are betting on sports as a form of entertainment, but it’s another thing when they use it to make a living or become addicted in a harmful way, which some do. Those are circumstances where fans can become more unruly than usual, creating a bigger divide between themselves and the people in the sport. In a worst-case scenario for the NBA and other leagues, their proximity to betting can create a perception (or reality) of those involved gambling themselves, as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert alleged of referee Scott Foster two weeks ago.
On Tuesday, while speaking about the importance of seeing a sports psychologist, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton talked about how NBA players are often viewed as just a way to make money. “I’m a prop. That’s what my social media mostly consists of.” Cavs center Jarrett Allen said his social media is full of people worried about their parlays, which can sometimes lead to threatening messages.
Jarrett Allen was asked about J.B. Bickerstaff’s comments regarding fans that “crossed the line” in regards to comments about betting losses.
Says that’s part of the world we live in today, unfortunately. pic.twitter.com/bKDaTFYPqc
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) March 21, 2024
The more athletes and coaches continue to share their experiences with bettors, the harder it is to deny Bickerstaff might be right about things going too far.
